Dabwali as the ultimate jeep market

It has been 66 years since World War 2 ended, but the infinite revolutions of the clock’s hands could not erase the impact of this catastrophic event. Till date the nuclear radiations cripple new born babies in Japan, US still possesses the ‘super country’ tag it had attained after the war and countries like Austria and Poland are still struggling to resurrect their fallen cities. Other than these results, the war had a few positive spin-offs too. Some of them can be seen on our city roads – Royal Enfield Bullets and Willy Jeeps were the indispensable vehicles of the War.
An indigenous vehicle to this state, the open jeep is synonymous to the the proud Punjabi spirit. Having travelled to many cities across the country I was really disheartened to see that the jeep is put into use either by milkmen to carry their milk barrels, or by the politicians to carry their false promises. Being a citizen of this wonderful city of Chandigarh, I feel  happy that this heritage vehicle is used as an accessory of pride and dominance.
Popularly called the ‘Landi Jeep’ in the emphatic Punjabi accent, it can be acquired from an exclusive showroom. To own it, one has to get the engine and chassis assembled. A place called ‘Dabwali’ near Bathinda is the Mecca of the Jeep assembling industry. A Mahindra classic body, Toyota 2C engine, Buckle Seats, JK Tornado tyres, Maruti Gypsy disc brakes and other minor accessories would cost your pocket a minimal Rs. 1.5 to 2 lacs. Cheap considering the fact that after owning one you shall be the talk of the town.
However, as Chandigarh boasts of very strict traffic norms, ‘Open’ jeeps are not allowed on the city roads and hence a canopy needs to cover your head at all times. But the Punjabi hormones, your royal glittering drive and the ‘Dekh Laange’ attitude never lets the voluntary hand muscle to pull the canopy over.
So now let your genes loose after reading this article, and if they instruct your brain to travel the road to Dabwali, you can proudly say that all your 42 chromosomes are indeed PUNJABI!
The different photos show the different phases through which a jeep passes to become a fineshed product. There are many dealers and showrooms in this  town giving out a range of modifications on these vehicles.
The pecularity which is there in these jeeps is that these more of ornamental value meant for road driving only, as front diffrential has been removed on all of these. The reason behind it is fitting of Toyota engines of bigger size, whose sunp fouls with the original design of the differential.
They are offering electronically adjustable seats, power steering with height and length adjustments and the tubeless tyres with alloys, disc brakes plus an array of additional lights. The rates were varing from 1L to 5L on all the standing models. It could cost more if you want more goodies and you are getting one made on order.
There plenty of other showrooms offering same type of stuff and other related shops carrying out mechanical work.
Interestingly, this not the place to find raw Army disposal jeeps and also, plenty of part fitted are fabricated.